Bolton Wanderers will unveil its new fan zone on Saturday - which will make space for 1,000 supporters on matchdays and offer an array of attractions.

Situated outside the West Stand near the Nat Lofthouse Statue, the fan zone will be a place for Wanderers supporters to get together both pre and post-match in a 'friendly, relaxed environment'.

The will also be able to grab a bite to eat and a drink.

With a capacity of 1,000, the outdoor space will open three hours prior to kick off, from 12pm to 3pm and an hour after the final whistle on Saturdays from 5pm to 6pm.

The facility will be in operation for the first time outside the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday for the game against Wycombe Wanderers. 

For midweek games, the fan zone will be open from 5pm and close at 7.45pm, when matches kick off.  

The Bolton News: The fan zone siteThe fan zone site

The fan zone hosts a new bar, which has been named in memory of Wanderers’ legendary commentator Dave Higson, whose immortal strapline 'What a Ding-Dong–Do!'  has gone down in the Whites’ history books. 

The Dave Higson bar will stock Staropramen Lager, Atlantic Pale Ale, Madri and Carling, and local casks beers will be supplied by Blackedge Brewery, Horwich.

In addition, fans will have a variety of delicious local food options to try with Nam Ploy Thai Street Food, Sushma’Snacks India Street Food, Fratelli’s Pizza and The Cakery all taking up a permanent spot in the fan zone.

Carrs Pasties will be available over the counter at the Dave Higson Bar.

Fans will be entertained throughout their stay by Bolton FM, who will work with the club to provide live music performed by artists and Bolton Wanderers in the Community will have the inflatable football dartboard up and running for our junior Whites.

The fan zone is an ongoing project and will continue to be enhanced over the coming months.

From the Sheffield Wednesday fixture on Saturday, August 20, a prosecco and gin bar, ice cream and candy floss vendors and a Bolton Wanderers’ official merchandise shop will also be in place.  

CEO of Bolton Wanderers, Neil Hart, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our fantastic new fan zone this weekend.

“This has been a project almost a year in the making and I’d like to thank the in-house team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the space is ready for this Saturday. 

“I’d also like to thank our funding partners who have made it possible for us to deliver this for our fans including official sponsor, Leasing Options, Bolton Wanderers’ Development Association and Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust.

“Discussions began last summer between the club and Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust around the feasibility of a Fan Zone and throughout the process, we have worked in close consultation with them to ensure the area is a reflection of what our fans really want.”

“We would encourage every supporter who is visiting the stadium in the coming months to pay the fan zone a visit and enjoy the experience.”

The Premier League match Fulham vs Liverpool will also be broadcast live from 12.30pm on Saturday at the fan zone too. 

The club anticipates large numbers and if necessary, will activate a one-in one-out policy if the area reaches capacity.

Entrance and exit signs will be clearly denoted to avoid congestion.